Water Quality, Like Air Quality, Is Improving
Water is vital for every form of life on the planet, and is also a critical component of electricity production. The electric power industry uses billions of gallons of water every day to operate its electricity generating plants, and has dramatically improved how that water is treated, and released back into the environment. We work with federal, state and local government agencies to reduce adverse impacts and promote the sustainable development of aquatic habitats.
According to a variety of indices, water quality in the U.S. has improved substantially over the last part of the twentieth century. For example, in 1961, 30 percent of water sources were severely polluted while today less than 5 percent fall into that category. The percentage of rivers, lakes, and streams that are safe for fishing and swimming is up 55 percent since 1972. And in the 10 years between 1993 and 2003, states reported that the percentage of the population served by water systems that meet all health-based standards rose from 79 percent to 94 percent.
Electric cooperatives believe that additional clean water requirements can meet environmental goals to enhance water quality through scientifically sound, cost-effective methods, while allowing utilities as much flexibility as possible. We believe common-sense reforms should expedite routine permitting and increase the flexibility of water protection programs.
Preserving Wetlands
NRECA participated in the development of the Wetlands Mitigation Action Plan, designed to preserve and increase the number of wetlands in the United States. NRECA supports flexibility in the use of different types of mitigation, the use of preservation alone and the use of vegetated buffers for stream or wetlands impacts. NRECA supports the National Wetlands Coalition and is working to build Congressional support for balanced legislation that will provide cooperatives with greater certainty over wetlands regulations and permitting activities.
Documents:
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